Ridley Scott's House of Gucci, the director's most polarizing true-crime epic, has just landed on Peacock, giving subscribers a chance to revisit the campy, star-studded saga that divided critics and audiences alike. The film, which hit theaters in 2021, chronicles the real-life murder of Maurizio Gucci, heir to the iconic fashion dynasty, orchestrated by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani. With a cast that includes Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Salma Hayek, the movie was always destined to be a spectacle—and it certainly delivered on that front.
Scott, a filmmaker synonymous with genre-defining sci-fi like Alien and Blade Runner, has spent the last several years pivoting to period pieces. While his recent efforts like Napoleon and The Last Duel struggled to find an audience, House of Gucci managed to break even, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a reported $75 million budget. It's a rare commercial win in a streak that includes the underperforming Gladiator II, which, despite its star power, only matched the original's box office numbers while costing significantly more to produce.
The film's reception was as divided as its performances. Critics praised Lady Gaga's magnetic portrayal of Patrizia, but many found the tonal shifts jarring—veering between high camp and serious drama. Jared Leto's over-the-top turn as Paolo Gucci, complete with prosthetics and a thick Italian accent, became a meme-worthy highlight, while Adam Driver's more subdued performance grounded the film. The result was a movie that earned nominations at both the Oscars and the Razzies, a rare feat that speaks to its polarizing nature.
Despite the mixed reviews, House of Gucci has found a second life on streaming. Its arrival on Peacock is a boon for fans of true crime and celebrity drama alike. The film's blend of fashion, betrayal, and murder makes it a compelling watch, even if it's not always a cohesive one. As the Rotten Tomatoes consensus notes, it "vacillates between inspired camp and dour drama," but Gaga's performance is "note-perfect."
For those who missed it in theaters or want to revisit the chaos, House of Gucci is now available to stream. It joins a growing library of crime dramas on Peacock, including Anya Taylor-Joy's underrated crime drama that has also found new life on the platform. If you're in the mood for more true-crime twists, check out our list of crime shows with the most mind-blowing plot twists.
Scott, meanwhile, is already moving on to his next project—a Treasure Island adaptation starring Hugh Jackman. Whether that will be another divisive entry in his filmography remains to be seen, but for now, fans can enjoy the glorious mess that is House of Gucci. And if you're a fan of Scott's earlier work, you might also want to catch Alien and Aliens landing on Netflix this September.
So, grab some popcorn and settle in for a wild ride through the world of high fashion and high drama. House of Gucci is now streaming on Peacock—just don't expect a subtle take on the events that shook the Gucci empire.
